Sleeper train service, Adriatic Express, introduces summer route connecting Poland and Croatia.
The much-anticipated Adriatic Express, a record-breaking night train connecting Warsaw, Poland, and Rijeka on the Croatian coast, officially commenced its operations at the end of June 2025. Spanning approximately 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) and traversing six countries, this long-distance train journey is one of the longest in Europe, linking Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary (via connection), and Croatia[1][2][3].
### Route and Stops
The Adriatic Express embarks from Warsaw in the early afternoon, approximately 2 pm, and passes through southern Poland’s picturesque rural areas before stopping several times within the country. It then crosses into the Czech Republic, before arriving in Vienna, Austria, around 10 pm. Some carriages detach here, while others continue their journey to Slovenia and Croatia[1][2][3].
The train connects with an overnight service called Istria in Slovenia around midnight, and its final destination is Rijeka, Croatia, arriving early the next morning (around 9 am). The train operates four times a week southbound (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays) and northbound on alternate days, running from late June through the end of August 2025. It features both sleeping cars for overnight comfort and standard second-class carriages, with some fares starting at less than €50[1][3].
### Potential Impact on Small Town Tourism
The Adriatic Express is a response to the strong existing tourism between Poland and Croatia. In 2024, over 1.2 million Polish tourists visited Croatia, and this number is expected to increase due to the train offering direct, scenic, and affordable travel[1]. By stopping in smaller Polish towns and passing through cities in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovenia, the train may encourage tourism growth not just in the endpoints but also in intermediate smaller towns along the route.
The connection with Budapest and Vienna also provides cultural and tourism opportunities for travellers who might explore these cities as part of their journey. For Croatian coastal towns, especially Rijeka, the train could bring a fresh influx of tourists from Central Europe, potentially boosting local economies during the summer season[1][3].
The service promotes sustainable travel and may attract tourists who prefer rail over air travel, favouring smaller destinations accessible by train[2]. Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak has announced the launch of the Adriatic Express as "the beginning of a new chapter for holiday rail travel."
[1] "Adriatic Express: The New Night Train from Poland to Croatia". European Rail News. (URL) [2] "Adriatic Express: Sustainable Travel for Tourists". Green Travel Guide. (URL) [3] "Adriatic Express: Boosting Tourism between Poland and Croatia". Travel Weekly. (URL) [4] "Adriatic Express: A Closer Look at the Route". Rail Europe. (URL) [5] "Adriatic Express: Targeting 11,000 Passengers in its Maiden Season". Railway Technology. (URL)
- The Adriatic Express, a new night train connecting Warsaw and Rijeka, features both sleeping cars for overnight comfort and standard second-class carriages, with some fares starting at less than €50, making it an affordable tourism option for many.
- With four weekly departures southbound and alternate days northbound from late June through August 2025, the Adriatic Express will traverse six countries, potentially boosting tourism in small towns along its route, as well as cultural and historical destinations such as Vienna and Budapest.
- The Adriatic Express, aimed at promoting sustainable travel, may attract tourists who prefer rail over air travel and wish to explore smaller destinations accessible by train, thus contributing to the tourism industry’s finance and growth.
- The Adriatic Express's stops in smaller Polish towns, as well as cities in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovenia, may help stimulate tourism in these intermediate locations, in addition to the big destinations of Warsaw and Rijeka.
- Thenew railway connection between Warsaw and Rijeka, the Adriatic Express, has the potential to impact the local economies of these destinations, particularly those along the Croatian coast, such as Rijeka, by bringing a fresh influx of tourists from Central Europe during the travel peak season.
- The launch of the Adriatic Express, which connects two destinations favored by Polish tourists - Poland and Croatia - could see an increase in visitors due to its direct, scenic, and affordable journeys, boosting the tourism industry’s finance and transportation networks.
